This is one of the keys to the problem of war and legitimate defense. Every argument that would permit the taking of life is in one way or another based on calculations of rights and merits. I prefer the life of those nearest me to that of the foreigner, or the life of the innocent to that of the trouble-maker, because my love is conditional, qualified, natural, just like that of everyone else. Jesus does not condemn this normal, self-seeking quality — for Gentiles, but he says there is nothing new, nothing special, nothing redemptive or healing about it. ‘What reward can you expect?’ Not only is ‘perfect love’ not limited to those who merit it; it goes beyond the unjust demands of those who coerce compliance with their will. ‘Do not (violently) resist one who does evil.’ The alternative is creative concern for the person who is bent on evil, coupled with the refusal of his goals. John Howard Yoder ☀
Sunday 19 August 2012
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